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Moving to Vietnam from the US is an exciting endeavor leading to a vibrant cultural scene, dynamic nature, and vibrant landscapes. Whether you’re moving for the lower cost of living, the job opportunities, or the weather, there’s a place for everyone. This article is your ultimate guide from visas and taxes to cultural adaptation.
| Size of House | Cost of Moving |
| 1-2 Bedroom | $3,500 – $7,000 |
| 3-4 Bedroom | $8,000 – $12,000 |
| 4-5 Bedroom | $11,000 – $17,000 |
*These prices are mere estimates and can fluctuate based on various reasons.
The best way to find the most accurate costs of moving is to figure out the volume of your move. Volume is one of the biggest influences on price. Fill in our volume calculator and receive an accurate estimate that will help you obtain accurate quotes.
Services: International removals, Excess baggage
Associations: IAM, PAIMA
Services: International removals, National moving, Car & vehicle transport
Associations: IAM, LACMA
Services: International removals, National moving, Excess baggage, Car & vehicle transport, Piano transport, Art transport
Associations: IAM
Services: International removals, Car & vehicle transport, Piano transport
Associations: FMC, U.S. DoT
Services: International removals, Car & vehicle transport, Piano transport, Art transport
Associations: FMC, U.S. DoT
In case you wish to see more mover options have a look at all of our international movers. Finding a good moving company will take unnecessary stress off your shoulders.
The most fool proof way to receive the best offer from a moving company is to request quotes from multiple ones. This allows you to compare offers and choose the one you feel meets your needs and budget. Fill in our form below and receive up to 5 free moving quotes today!
All US citizens are required to obtain a visa before visiting or moving to Vietnam. You can apply for your visa here and find more information on the visa applications on the Vietnamese embassy site.
There are several visas you can apply for:
Requirements for visa applications:
Cost of living in Vietnam in USD:
| Expense | Price in USA ($) | Price in Vietnam ($) |
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $ 20.00 | $ 1.97 |
| Cappuccino | $ 5.19 | $ 1.72 |
| 12 Eggs | $ 3.79 | $ 1.52 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $ 12.01 | $ 3.68 |
| Water (1,5L) | $ 2.21 | $ 0.81 |
| Monthly bus pass | $ 65.00 | $ 7.88 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $ 0.93 | $ 0.91 |
*Source: Numbeo
Living expenses in Vietnam are considerably lower than in the US, but so is the local purchasing power. However, street food costs around $1-$3 and groceries and rent prices are 50% to 80% lower in Vietnam than in America. Earning a good US wage in international companies in Vietnam will allow you plenty of money to spend on luxuries.
The USA and Vietnam do not have a tax treaty in place to prevent any double taxation, which is why we advise you to have a tax professional help you with your taxes.
You will be considered a tax resident if you stay in Vietnam for more than 183 days out of the year. As a resident, the income tax rate in Vietnam ranges from 5% to 35%. If you stay in Vietnam for less than 183 days you are regarded as a non-resident. All non-residents are taxed at a rate of 20% with income earned in Vietnam.
To open a bank account in Vietnam you will need a proper visa. A tourist visa will not allow you to get a proper bank account. Vietnam has international banks like HSBC and Citibank, which also work in America. If you hold one of these bank accounts the transfer will be easy.
What you need to open a bank account:
There are also American banks in Vietnam:
Life in Vietnam is quite different compared to the US from cultural traditions to bureaucracy and infrastructures.
Vietnamese culture is very much centered around community, family, and respecting elders, whereas American culture values more personal space and individualism. They also value a much slower pace of life than the fast-paced lifestyle in the USA.
Vietnam is considered a generally safe place to live, although small crimes like pickpocketing are common in tourist areas.
Cultural Traditions:
Hoi Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Saigon is Vietnam’s largest city and the economic hub of the country, making it a great place for working expats due to the various job opportunities available. The city is urban and has a fast-paced lifestyle and lively nightlife.
Hanoi – Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and is known for its architecture, cultural heritage, and vibrant lifestyle. It has a blend of Eastern and Western influences and a humid climate with hot summers and cool winters. Therefore, Hanoi is a great option for people looking for an urban lifestyle with a slower pace.
Da Nang – A perfect city for expats looking for a relaxed beach lifestyle. The city is located along the coast and is known for its sandy beaches and proximity to cultural sites. Moreover, Da Nang has a growing expat community making it an easy place to integrate and find like-minded people.
Da Lat – The city is an outdoor lovers’ dream. Located in the highlands the climate is much cooler than the rest of Vietnam, and nature is full of outdoor activities like hiking in the pine forests and visiting colonial architecture.
Nha Trang – Great option for expats looking for a fun nightlife scene in addition to a job or studies. Additionally. It’s a great place for beach lovers with many opportunities for water sports and diving. On the other hand, it’s a popular tourist destination which can make the city crowded.
Vietnam does not have free healthcare and the public healthcare side is not equivalent to the US standards. The doctors in public hospitals are often overworked and the hospitals are not equipped with the necessary tools. Moreover, the doctors rarely speak English.
As an expat it’s much safer to opt for private healthcare in Vietnam and to get private health insurance before your arrival. Normally private healthcare in Vietnam is in line with Western standards and the doctors also speak English or French.
Make sure to choose insurance that covers all procedures and also medical evacuation and treatments outside of Vietnam, since it’s common for serious procedures to be done in Singapore or Beijing.
The quality of private healthcare in Vietnam is generally good, but watch out for pharmacies and only get your medication from pharmacies attached to private hospitals.
Education in Vietnam is not free like the public schools in the US. For expats it’s recommended to put their kids into private schools in Vietnam due to the lack of English education in public schools.
Private and international schools in Vietnam can be expensive, which is why you should choose the school carefully. In general, the education level in Vietnamese international and private schools is good. However, many people leave outside of Vietnam to pursue university degrees, especially in medicine or other fields.
The main differences in the Vietnamese education system are in the teaching style, teaching technology, academic grading, and co-curricular activities. You can find more information on the differences here.
Vietnam has a lot of work opportunities for expats and a growing economy in tourism, education, IT, and manufacturing. The average salaries in Vietnam are much lower than in the US, but the cost of living is also lower making the salaries sufficient. Moreover, Vietnamese working hours tend to be longer than in the US on average and the work culture is much more relaxed, although the hierarchy and titles are not to be forgotten.
To be able to work in Vietnam you must acquire a work visa. Generally, foreigners on a tourist visa aren’t allowed to work and a company located in Vietnam must endorse your visa application.
You can easily move to Vietnam with a pet but there are certain requirements your pet needs to meet:
